Joy is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as “a feeling of pleasure or happiness, that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being."

I saw complete, unbridled joy on the Citadel sideline as the first half of Saturday’s game with Alabama ended in a 10-10 tie.

The only thing close to the exultation on the faces of the Bulldog players was watching the kids play in the Little League World series every year. Uncontained joy. It was wonderful to behold.

The Citadel game plan was simple, hold onto the ball so long the mighty Crimson Tide wouldn’t have a chance to score, and put the game away.

The Bulldogs executed the plan to perfection in the first half, and aided by a sleepwalking, uninspired Alabama bunch, found themselves knotted up with the No. 1 team in the country.

This was against a team that had not led by fewer than 16 points after two quarters in all the 2018 season. Prior to the game, ESPN had Alabama as a 99.9 favorite to win the game, and on the flip side, The Citadel has a .01 of winning.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban walks with running back Damien Harris (34) after he was injured against The Citadel in second half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh

Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) celebrates his touchdown on a fumble recovery against The Citadel in second half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Seneartha Oliver, of Dothan cheers during the Walk of Champions before the Alabama vs. Citadel game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Fans line up as Alabama head coach Nick Saban and the team arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., before the Alabama vs. Citadel game on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

An Alabama fan uses two phones to take video of the Walk of Champions before the Alabama vs. Citadel game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) is helped off the field after being injured against The Citadel in second half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh

There was plenty of reason for the Citadel to throw a big party in the locker room at halftime. They had played the mighty Tide straight up for 30 minutes and gained 150 yards on the ground without throwing a single pass. The Bulldogs ended with 275 rushing yards and a big advantage in time of possession.

One Bulldog player said: "We got to go against Nick Saban and some of the best players in college football, and that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The nightmare continued as Alabama fumbled the opening kickoff and set the Citadel up in prime position to take the lead and further stun the 101,000-plus fans who were beginning to have convulsions. When would this nightmare end?

Alabama head coach Nick Saban in second half action against The Citadel at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018.(Photo: Mickey Welsh)

The answer was soon as the Tide stiffened, forcing a field goal attempt, which sailed wide right, and the bubble burst for the Bulldogs.

The Tide exploded hard and fast to take a commanding lead, and cruised to a final blowout, waxing them 40-7 in the second half for a 50-17 win.

But it was a win-win for the day in my opinion. For the Citadel the most tangible benefit is a guaranteed check of $500,000 for playing at Alabama. That is a whole bunch of cash for a Military school with an enrollment of 2,200 students with a football budget of around $5 million. The Alabama payday is more than half as much as The Citadel earns on ticket sales for the entire season (almost $900,000 this season).

During the preseason, Athlon Sports ranked the "most shameful college football games of 2018." Fourth on that list was The Citadel vs. Alabama.

The writer stated: "Once again, the Crimson Tide are dining on a cupcake a week ahead of the Iron Bowl." Well, let me say in a tribute to The Citadel Bulldogs — that cupcake left a bad taste in Alabama’s mouth.

Alabama fans during the The Citadel game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018.(Photo: Mickey Welsh)

On the other side of the win-win, Alabama got exactly the wake-up call it needed for this weekend against archrival Auburn. Nick Saban could not have asked for a better early Christmas present. He will not have to say a thing to motivate the Crimson players for the task at hand against the Tigers this Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

He can save all his “I told you so’s, and you wouldn’t listen to me” rants. The Tide will be laser-focused for the task at hand — to mangle the Tigers and achieve an undefeated regular season, the first since 2009. Thanks, The Citadel, we owe you one.

For me, I’m getting psyched up myself, and feel confident we can handle Auburn. One of my Auburn friends said: "Maybe Gus should install the wishbone for the game”. That’s rich. The betting line has come out at 24 1/2 points which is cause for concern.

I wouldn’t think this bitter clash would generate that kind of spread. Does Vegas know something all of us don’t? I think it’s too high, but I’m thinking the Tide prevail by at least 20 points.

I will spend the remainder of the week working on an appropriate Auburn joke for my comments next week, which according to the sports editor generates a lot of hate mail from West Georgia. That warms my heart like a good fire. As always, a Big Roll Tide Roll, and I will see you on the Quad before the game.

P.S. — Thanks to the person who anonymously left a framed print of “The Tide Rising” on my front porch Sunday. It is a great print, and I appreciate the gesture, and whomever you are, thank you!